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Madison Metropolitan School District

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Data Security and Privacy

Everyone who uses student information is responsible for handling it in a legal, responsible, and ethical way. Policymakers need to communicate honestly with parents and other members of the public about the value of education data and how states and districts are protecting the data they collect. Parents, educators, and other members of the public should be able to find important information about the security and privacy of student information, such as:

  • What and why is data collected? Who collects it and for what purposes?

  • How is data being used to help my student and my school?

  • What policies and practices govern how data is collected, stored, shared, accessed, retained, and used?

What is Student Data?

There are many types of data that support student learning—and they’re so much more than test scores. But individual data points don’t give the full picture needed to support the incredibly important education goals of parents, students, educators, and policymakers. See the types of data that can come together—under requirements like privacy and security—to form a full picture of student learning. When used effectively, data empowers everyone.

What is Student Data

What is Student Data? infographic*

Short video on What is Student Data?*

*Resources from the Data Quality Campaign

If you have questions or concerns, please contact Tim Peterson, Ed.D., Director of Assessment at tpeterson2@madison.k12.wi.us.

Who Uses Student Data?

Most personal student information stays local. Districts, states, and the federal government all collect data about students for important purposes like informing instruction and providing information to the public. But the type of data collected, and who can access them, is different at each point. This graphic shows how student data—from schools to the US Department of Education—are and are not accessed and used.

Who uses Student Data

Who uses Student Data? infographic*

Short video on Who uses Student Data?*

*Resources from the Data Quality Campaign

What Data Safeguards are in Place?

  • MMSD Board Policy 4151 Student Records and Definitions